WIPO Members Favour Library Exceptions, But By Different Means (SCCR/27)

The 27th session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) is taking place from 28 April to 2 May.

[Clip]

The World Intellectual Property Organization copyright committee this week has sunk its teeth into the issue of exceptions and limitations to copyright for libraries and archives. Some countries are pushing for a treaty to establish such exceptions while others find that the existing copyright system provides for it.

[Clip]

The weeklong meeting is split into two main subjects. First was a proposed treaty to protect broadcasters’ rights, which was discussed during the first two-and-a-half days. SCCR delegates then turned their attention to exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives.

There is not yet agreement on how exceptions should be granted. Some countries are seeking a treaty, some others, mainly developed countries, are of the opinion that the current copyright system provides for such exceptions and this issue should be dealt with at national level.

[Clip]

The US said libraries and archives need “adequate and appropriate exceptions and limitations in national laws” to be able to carry out their public service roles. The delegate said the US does not support “binding norm setting at the international level.” At WIPO level, the US delegate said it would be “extremely valuable to find consensus on the general objectives and principles that should inform and guide the development of such exceptions and limitations at national level.”

Gary Price (gprice@mediasourceinc.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. Before launching INFOdocket, Price and Shirl Kennedy were the founders and senior editors at ResourceShelf and DocuTicker for 10 years. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com, and is currently a contributing editor at Search Engine Land.